Week 3 Takeaways

Week 3 was absolute chaos. We lost Najee Harris and James Conner to major injuries, Mike Evans and CeeDee Lamb both went down, and suddenly, guys like Omarion Hampton and Trey Benson are looking like must-starts. On top of that, Jaylen Warren might’ve just become a true workhorse, the Bengals offense fell apart without Joe Burrow, and we saw some surprise breakout games from names like Ricky Pearsall and Cam Skattebo. Here are all the biggest fantasy football takeaways you need to know heading into Week 4.

Najee Harris Achilles Tear – Omarion Hampton’s Opportunity

Brutal injury for the former Iron Man. Najee Harris had played in 17 games in each of his first four NFL seasons. In Week 2, Greg Roman gave Harris and Omarion Hampton 10 opportunities each, which didn’t bode well for either back. But in Week 3, once Najee left the game, Hampton took over with 85% of the remaining snaps. He was heavily involved in the passing game, catching 6 balls for 59 yards on top of 19 carries. With this opportunity in a high-powered Chargers offense, Hampton is firmly back in must-start territory.

James Conner Ankle Injury – Trey Benson to RB1 Duties

Trey Benson was already creeping into James Conner’s workload, and now he’s set to take over as the Cardinals’ lead back. After Conner exited, Benson handled 75% of snaps and 78% of RB touches. Emari Demercado might mix in on passing downs, but Benson already owned most of those situations going into the game. If his role expands even further, he could be a fantasy RB1 moving forward.

Mike Evans Hamstring Injury – Emeka Egbuka Upgraded

Mike Evans suffered a hamstring injury that didn’t look mild. Even if it’s short-term, Emeka Egbuka steps into WR1 duties for Tampa. Chris Godwin could return soon, but it’s unlikely he will immediately take targets from Egbuka, who commanded a 28% target share against the Jets. Egbuka was already close to must-start status, but now he’s locked in.

CeeDee Lamb Ankle Injury – George Pickens and Jake Ferguson Benefit

CeeDee Lamb says he can play next week, but ankle injuries often linger. If he misses time or plays at less than 100%, expect George Pickens and Jake Ferguson to benefit. Ferguson has caught 22 passes for 160 yards over his last two games, while Pickens has scored in back-to-back weeks.

Jaylen Warren Becoming a Workhorse

Warren’s snap share jumped from 58% in Week 2 to 80% in Week 3, and his route participation climbed from 41% to 65%. With his elite targets-per-route-run profile, more routes could mean top-tier RB production. Kaleb Johnson didn’t see the field, solidifying Warren’s must-start status.

Bengals Offense Collapses Without Joe Burrow

The Vikings' defense is tough, but Cincinnati looked lost without Burrow, who will be out for three months after toe surgery. Chase Brown managed just 10 carries for 3 yards, Tee Higgins had one catch, and Ja’Marr Chase led the team with 5 catches for 50 yards. With Denver on deck, things don’t get easier.

Patriots RBs Keep Fumbling

Rhamondre Stevenson and Antonio Gibson both lost fumbles, opening the door for TreVeyon Henderson to take over the backfield. Henderson dominated snaps afterwards, though it’s unclear how the coaching staff will react moving forward. At the very least, Henderson’s path to a bigger role has sped up.

Cam Skattebo Breaks Out After Tyrone Tracy Injury

Tyrone Tracy injured his shoulder early, and Cam Skattebo stepped up with 18 opportunities for 121 yards, including 6 catches on 8 targets. If Tracy misses time, Skattebo has a real shot at RB2 value with passing-game work and goal-line opportunities.

Eagles Forced to Throw

Down 26–7, Philadelphia finally opened up the passing game. AJ Brown posted 6/109/1 on 10 targets, and DeVonta Smith added 8/60/1 on 9 targets. Jalen Hurts accounted for four total TDs. The question is whether this was a one-off game script or a sign of a more balanced attack.

Quinshon Judkins Seizing Browns Early-Down Role

Cleveland upset Green Bay thanks to its defense, allowing Quinshon Judkins to pound the ball with 18 carries for 94 yards and a TD. He owns the early-down role and goal-line work, making him a volatile RB2 depending on game script. Jerome Ford could still mix in if the Browns are trailing.

Quentin Johnston and Keenan Allen on Fire

Justin Herbert is peppering his top two WRs, and both are thriving. Johnston is averaging nearly 80 yards and a TD per game, while Keenan Allen continues to produce at a WR1 pace. Both sit inside the top-7 WRs through three weeks, with Ladd McConkey settling in as the WR3.

Ricky Pearsall Breaks Out

With Jauan Jennings sidelined, Ricky Pearsall dominated targets, hauling in 8 catches for 117 yards on 11 looks. He and Christian McCaffrey were the focal points of the passing attack. When Jennings returns, things could shift, but Pearsall may have earned himself a long-term role.

Luther Burden Shows Life

Burden caught a 65-yard flea-flicker TD and finished with 101 yards, finally seeing increased involvement with his route participation rising from 18% to 31%. He’s trending towards stash-worthy status.

Woody Marks' Expanding Role

Marks played 48% of snaps and nearly matched Nick Chubb’s carries while also taking over Dare Ogunbowale’s passing-down role. If his role continues to expand, Marks becomes a sneaky add with flex potential.

Jaguars' Passing Game Still Broken

Brian Thomas salvaged his day with a late 46-yard play, while Travis Hunter remained quiet with just one catch and heavy defensive usage. Parker Washington earned 11 targets, catching only 4, but is worth monitoring. For now, BTJ is barely startable, Hunter belongs on benches, and Washington is a stash.

Christian Kirk Emerges as Texans WR2

Behind Nico Collins, Kirk saw 8 targets on 77% route participation. His usage was solid, but he remains limited to 3-WR sets, making him more of a PPR flex option.

Calvin Ridley’s Struggles Continue

Ridley caught just 1 of 7 targets for 27 yards, as Cam Ward’s passing volume remains low. Rookie Elic Ayomanor has outproduced him recently, and Ridley looks no better than a desperation flex right now.

Chris Olave: A Target Hog

Olave leads the NFL in targets through three weeks, with a 31% share. The downside: only 64% of those targets have been catchable due to Spencer Rattler’s inaccuracy. For now, he’s a high-floor WR3 with untapped upside.

Commanders' Backfield a Mess

Chris Rodriguez mixed in with Bill Croskey-Merritt, while Jeremy McNichols handled passing downs. Bill saw more goal-line usage, but overall, this remains a split backfield with no clear fantasy RB2.

Courtland Sutton Reclaims WR1 Role

Sutton reminded everyone he’s Denver’s top target, posting 6/116/1 on 8 targets. Troy Franklin remained the WR2 but struggled with mistakes. Sutton looks like a steady weekly starter moving forward.

Jordan Mason Keeps Rolling

Mason gashed defenses again, turning 16 carries into 116 yards and 2 scores while commanding a 75% snap share before garbage time. He looks like San Francisco’s lead back.

Falcons' Offense Implodes

Michael Penix threw for just 172 yards and 2 interceptions. Drake London managed 5 catches for 55 yards, but the unit as a whole was stifled by Carolina.

Jonathan Taylor Dominates Again

Taylor continues to prove he’s still elite: 17/102/3 in Week 3 after piling up 215 total yards the week before. He’s the overall RB1 through three weeks.